Dr Induwara Gunarathne

Biography

Before joining UNE medical school, Dr. Induwara Gunarathne (also written as Gooneratne) worked  as a fulltime senior lecturer in Forensic Medicine for over fifteen years in a Sri Lankan medical school. He was then appointed as the Chief Examiner and the Head of Department of Forensic Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka . Further, he has long years of experience as an expert medical witness to court and as a clinician.

Induwara spent some time as an academic visitor at the Centre for Forensic & Legal Medicine at the University of Dundee, UK and then completed a Master’s Degree at American University, Washington DC, in the US.  Subsequently, he completed a PhD degree at the University of New England, Australia. Additionally, he completed a  Diploma in Forensic Medicine from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and a Master’s degree in forensic medicine from the faculty of Medicine university of Peradeniya under the supervision of Prof C J Babapulle, Chair and Professor of Forensic Medicine at the time. Moreover, he has undergone advanced forensic training in the US, UK, India, Sri Lanka and in Australia at Adelaide University. Induwara also had the opportunity to follow further forensic training programs including those at the Armed Institute of Pathology in the USA.

Before joining the forensic medicine department he taught full body gross anatomy, histology and embryology at Peradeniya university.  During this time, in his initial years as an academic, Induwara had the opportunity to complete a one year advance training in full body anatomy by dissection under the supervision of two eminent Japanese professors of clinical anatomy from Hiroshima University, Japan under a JICA ( Japanese International Training Agency) sponsorship. Later, while in the US, he was able to further advance his forensic anatomical skills under Prof Douglas Ubelaker, a well-known  forensic consultant to FBI, George Washington University and to the Smithsonian anatomical museum in the US.

In addition to being a dental surgeon, forensic expert and a clinician, he is also a qualified lawyer and is admitted to the Bar. In law, he co-specialised in medical ethics and health law in the US and completed internships and training in the areas of medical ethics & health law at the National Institutes of Health ( NIH),USA and at the Bioethics and Health Law initiative at the Washington DC College of Law.

At Peradeniya university he has held several key leadership positions including Acting Dean of the faculty of Medicine, Head of Department of Forensic Medicine, Chief Examiner in Forensic Medicine, University Senate member, Chairman/Student Councillors Board, Secretory of Ethical Review Committee, Course Director & Convenor, Coordinator of Study Centres, Coordinator of Diploma in Forensic Medicine Program, Acting Chairman of Medical curriculum Coordinating Committee, Chief Editor of Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law and lecturer in charge of forensic laboratories.

He has published over seventy-five publications in the form of full papers and peer reviewed conference papers and has authored 2 book chapters and two monographs.

He is a past recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship by the US government and the Australian Leadership Award ( ALA)  from the Australian Federal Government on academic merit.

Qualifications

BDS ( Dental Surgery), DFMed.(Forensic Medicine), MSc, MPhil (Forensic Medicine), Cert. Med.Stat, D.Tox,  LLM(Medical Ethics & Health Law) , DHR, Attorney at Law, PhD.

Teaching Areas

Gross Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy
Embryology & Histology
Forensic Anatomy
Medical and Clinical Ethics
PBL ( Problem Based Learning) in the Joint Medical Program

Research Interests

Forensic Medicine & Sciences, Gross and Clinical Anatomy, Human Identification, Medical Ethics, Medical Education, Criminal Law and Criminology

Publications

Published Books
1. Safe Autopsy – Principal  Author ISBN 978-955-41812-1-2
2. Pashchaath Marana Pareekshanaya hi Awadanam Paalanaya- Principal Author. ISBN
978-955-41812-0-5
3. Plant Poisons in Sri Lanka ISBN 978-955-41812-3-6 – Principal Author
Basnayaka Publishers, 2017.

Monographs
Skeletal Survey – A Practical Guide for Forensic Students

Chapters in Books
1. Chapter on Forensic Dentistry – in Oral Medicine and Pathology – A text book
published by Jaypee Publishers ISBN 978 93 5025 221 5
2. Chapter on Sri Lanka – in “Enforced Disappearances in Asia” ISBN 992 980 964 -3

Selected Peer Reviewed Full Papers and Abstracts published
Gooneratne, I. (2016). Chain of Custody in Forensic Practice: The Need for Standard of Practice Guidelines in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 7(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2016). The Human Tissue Act and Its relevance to Forensic Practice in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 7(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2017). Spheno-Occipital Synchondrosis for the estimation of age in a forensic context : A preliminary case series study Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 47(1).
Gooneratne, I. et al (2017). Temperature and Tissue type Impact Development of Lucilia Cuprina ( Dipthera: Calliphoridae) in Sri Lanka. Journal of Medical Entermology, xx(x).
Gooneratne I et al (2018) Myiasis incidences reported in and around central province of Sri Lanka.
International Journal of Dermatology 58(3).

Gooneratne I et al (2018) Effect of Temperature and Tissue Type on the Development of Myiasis Causing Fly; Chrysomya bezziana (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Journal of Medical Enterology 55(6).
Gooneratne, I. et al(1999). A study of Human Retro Aortic left renal vein. Paper presented at the Annual Peradeniya University Research Session.
Gooneratne, I. (2010). Building Bridges to Bridging gaps: Dissemination of Knowledge of Forensic Medicine. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law.
Gooneratne, I. (2010). Drowning Associated Diatoms in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 1(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2010). Establishment of DNA based HLA typing in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journel of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 1(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2011). Do rituals violate the rights of the mentally ill patient? Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 2(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2011). Forensic Archaeology: An Emerging Forensic Science: Is there an opportunity in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 2(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2003). An Appraisal of DNA based paternity & maternity testing for forensic purposes. Paper presented at the International Medical Congress PeMSA.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2003). A debate as a method of teaching and learning; Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine. Sri Lanka Journal of Medicine, 3.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2003). Dental evidence in child abuse. Paper presented at the International Dental Congress, College of Dentistry and Stomatology Sri Lanka.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2003). Learning experience of University students. Paper presented at the International Dental Congress, College of General Dental Practitioners of Sri Lanka.
Gooneratne, I. et al (1999). Basic knowledge of medical ethics among dental students. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. et al (1999). Can DNA be extracted from tooth pulp. Paper presented at the Annual research Sessions University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. (1999). Evolution of Mammalian Teeth. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. et al (1999). Students’ perception of “ General Anatomy”, including of full body
Dissection in the Dental Curriculum. Paper presented at the Annual Research Session University of Peradeniya.

Gooneratne, I. (2000). An Analysis of legislation for the protection of the environment and
its impact on health. Paper presented at the Annual Academic Sessions Faculty of Dental Sciences University of Peradeniya.

Gooneratne, I. et al (2000). Basic knowledge of Medical ethics among the dental surgeons. Paper presented at the Annual Scientific Sessions, Kandy Society of Medicine.
Gooneratne, I. (2000). Dental Injuries – Legal Considerations in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the Sri Lanka Dental Association Annual Scientific Sessions.
Gooneratne, I. et al(2000). An easy and a low cost device to improve drug compliance by patients. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions, Galle Medical Faculty.
Gooneratne, I. (2000). Is DNA from teeth a reliable source to ascertain Human Identity? Paper presented at the Annual Academic Sessions, Faculty of Dental Sciences University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. (2001). Comparison of the knowledge of Medical Ethics among dental
Surgeons and dental students. Paper presented at the Sri Lanka Dental Association Scientific Session.

Gooneratne, I. (2001). Prevention of Dental Malpractice in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the Sri Lanka Dental Association Annual Scientific Sessions.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2002). Dental Caries pattern among Domestic Dogs in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the Annual Scientific Sessions Sri Lanka Veterinary Association
Gooneratne, I. et al (2002). A study of the changes in the dental pulp with a view to estimate time since death. Paper presented at the Sri Lanka Dental Association Regional Scientific Sessions.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2003). Analysis of archaeological dental remains. Paper presented at the International Medical Congress PeMSA.
Gooneratne, I. (2003). Using DNA evidence in a Court of Law. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 8.
Gooneratne, I. (2004). Animal Experimentation – Moral & legal Issues. Medical Faculty Research Bulletin, University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. (2004).et al Debating as a learning method. Paper presented at the Kandy Society of Medicine Annual Scientific Sessions.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2004). Do university undergraduates prefer to express in their mother tongue at Exams. Paper presented at the Annual Scientific Sessions, Kandy Society of Medicine.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2004). Measurements of Gingival Sulcus deapths in Mongral Dogs. Paper presented at the University of Peradeniya Annual Research Sessions
Gooneratne, I. et al (2004). Some Moral and legal Issues in Drug Research. Pharmocology News Letter of theDepartment of Pharmocology University of Peradeniya. 7
Gooneratne, I. et al (2006). Design and Construction of a low cost skull holder for forensic photographicsuperimposition purposes. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions University of Peradeniya
Gooneratne, I. et al (2006). Photographic Superimposition towards identification of victims – A case Report. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2007). Estimation of Age using Surface morphology of symphysis pubis in a Sri Lankan population Paper presented at the Indo Pacific Association of Law Medicine and Science( INPALMS.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2007). Facial measurements and Standing Heights – A model development. Paper presented at the Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Medicine and Science -INPALMS.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2007). Facial Tissue thicknesses among Sri Lankans – The application for forensic purposes. Paper presented at the Sri Lanka Dental Association Annual Scientific Sessions.
Goonerathne, I. et al (2007). Head circumference and standing height : Is there a Correlation? Paper presented at the The Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Medicine and Science (INPALMS).
Gooneratne, I. et al (2008). Facial Reconstruction for Forensic Purposes- The First Case Report in Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions, University of Peraeniya.
Gooneratne, I. et al (2009). An Analysis of Medico-legal Functions Rendered by Non Specialist Medical Officers in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Paper presented at the Annual Research Sessions University of Peradeniya.
Gooneratne, I. (2009). Bite Marks analysis in a Forensic Context: Orthodoxies, Paradoxes and Frontiers. Sri Lanka Dental Journal.
Gooneratne, I. (2010). Building Bridges to Bridging Gaps: Disseminating Knowledge of Forensic Medicine and Sciences to Lawyers, Judges and the General Public. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 1(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2012). Extending Services Beyond a Traditional Frame: the role of a University Forensic Department. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 3(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2012). Identifying Voids and remedying defects in Forensic Investigations in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 3(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2012). Probative Value of Medical Evidence towards Establishing Ultimate Probandum and Penultimate Probanda in a court room. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 3(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2013). Challenges in defining the 'child' ,'juvenile' and 'juvenile delinquency' in the
international and Sri Lankan domestic law. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law,
3(2).

Gooneratne, I. (2013). Some Impediments in the Sri Lankan substantive and procedural law in achieving justice through forensics. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 4(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2014). Empowering Significant Others in Forensic Medical Practice in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 5(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2014). Teaching Law for Forensic Medical and Forensic Science Students. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 5(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2015). Criminal or Forensic Investigations in Sri Lanka and the Media Responsibility: The need for substantive Media Law and enforceable media ethics in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 6(1).
Gooneratne, I. (2015). Dental records - Medico-legal and clinical significance. Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 45(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2015). Establishing a nexus between wild life forensics and dentistry - two case reports. Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 45(3).
Gooneratne, I. (2015). Ethical and Legal consideration on plagiarism in Scientific research. Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 45(1).  8
Gooneratne, I. (2015). Forensic Dentistry in Sri Lanka - A proposal towards a better and a sustainable future. Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 45(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2015). Research and Scientific Publications: Some Ethical Considerations. Sri Lanka Journal ofForensic Medicine Science and Law, 6(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2016). Access to dental Health and Social inequality - how the poor is alienated from advanced dentistry in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 46(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2016). A Review of the use of Spheno-Occipital Synchondrosis as an Age indicator and its implications for Sri lanka. Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law, 7(2).
Gooneratne, I. (2017). Child Abuse and Dental Practice. Biomedical Journal of Scientific and Technical Research, 1(7).
Gooneratne, I. (2017). Facing Challenges in Forensic Dental Age estimations of Adults Sri Lanka Dental Journal, 47(3).

Memberships

Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists
Sri Lanka Medical Council Registration
Bar Association of Sri Lanka
Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka
Kandy Society of Medicine
Anatomy Licence Holder ( NSW)

Consultancy Interests

Anatomy and Forensic Anatomy, Forensic Studies, Medical Ethics and Health Law, Criminal Law and Criminology, Human Identification in Forensic Practice